Hybrid vs Native Mobile App Development: Reasoning The Choice

One minute please! There are great deals on Amazon this festive season! It's like a perfect pause we need from our busy lives. Wait, what? What are we talking about? Apps? Come, let's learn!

Amazon apps work across Android and iPhones in the same way, with the same clarity and same performance. It is therefore a hybrid application, which works across operating systems. When one code is pushed to another platform, it loses some originality, which results in performance lag, but not much. But when a code is developed keeping all the specialities of that operating system in mind, it definitely becomes smooth. Remember the times when we used to record CD’s, DVD’s, Video Cassette to watch on VCR, the quality of the feature film deteriorated everytime it was copied on a new media.

A similar thing happens with cross platform apps. But they are still in use, and will be used, because now the quality of software and hardware in use have improved. Quality control, security and maintenance operations are regularized which restore the quality and performance of the apps. People buy smartphones according to their budget and requirements. Not everyone can buy an iPhone. So the app development companies consider the platform requirements and design their apps in such a way that it operates with the same efficiency across platforms. 

As we delve into the hybrid vs native app development debate, emphasizing the importance for businesses to hire mobile app developers from leading mobile app development companies in India based on their specific project goals. Additionally, we discuss current trends in mobile app development services, showcasing how these trends are shaping the future of app creation and user experience.

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Native apps are slightly expensive as a separate, new code is to be written which is specific to the operating system or the device. Also, because a separate team of developers have to be assigned, and a new software development life cycle takes place every time from initiation to deployment. 

Both hybrid vs native apps make use of different technologies, however the technologies for frontend - scripting languages like HTML, JS, CSS remain same. The database is chosen according to the scalability needs of the application. If it is a small project, MYSQL or SQL Server works. If it is a big project, Oracle RDBMS, MongoDB, Amazon DynamoDB, Couchbase Server, PostgreSQL, Firebase are used. 

Native apps are built using specific languages while hybrid apps are built using some web technologies. Developers have to rewrite the code every time they replicate the app for another platform. But this is not the case with hybrid apps as the code remains same across platforms. 

Native apps look natural while hybrid apps might differ from platform to platform due to differences in user interface and experience elements. Mimicking is never easy. 

Progressive web apps and single page applications may not always be hybrid apps, as they can be built for a single platform. They differ in their organic reach, performance, and maturity. Also they are used according to context (time) when it is required. Hybrid apps are released late, as they are built for different platforms. PWA are released earlier. Native apps are preferred based on the customer requirement to complete tasks regularly. 

Sometimes apps are tied to the marketing strategy of a business. They make use of progressive web apps to reach the largest audience because web apps have limited functionality. Sometimes customers choose to sign up to an app, only after taking a trial. If a trial is not available, they might choose not to use the app. 

Demarcating the Three Types of Apps

Summarizing the differences between web apps, hybrid vs native apps could bring some clarity over what they are, how they work, differences in features, benefits and use cases. 

Web apps are accessible from a web browser via the app's URL. they cannot access the device's native features. User experience is inconsistent and dependent on the browser that is being used. They are often slow, and might become non responsive with the internet speed. But they can be developed fast in less budget. 

Hybrid apps are installable on the mobile device. They are able to access device's specific features. They are fast but consume more battery power. They are budget friendly and quick to market. Look out for enhanced app security, Predictive analytics, AI and ML, Flutter, React Native, Sustainable commerce, Data sharing, and Tracking apps

To use native apps, users will have to download and install it on their devices. They are able to access the device's native features. They offer consistent and engaging user experience, where certain features are also available when the app is offline. Its performance can be optimized to the device.

Consider Artificial intelligence,  5G, Cloud computing, Internet of things, Predictive analytics, Location-based apps, Flutter, Sustainable commerce, Motion design, Smart and inclusive UX app designs, Touchless UI, Camera focused mobile apps, Low code/No code, Extended Reality, On-demand apps, Beacon Technology, and Chatbots while designing apps.

Conclusive

This conversation is extensible, and we can go on justifying every point with a suitable code and example. Abiding by the scope of this article we quickly summarize that Native apps are developed for a specific operating system, while hybrid apps are developed across platforms. Native apps are written in platform-specific languages like Swift or Java, while hybrid apps are built using a combination of web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Native apps are generally faster, more stable, and more reliable than hybrid apps. Native apps provide a native look and feel, while hybrid apps mimic the native look and feel but may not fully replicate platform-specific UI elements. Native apps require separate maintenance for each platform's codebase, while hybrid apps are easier to maintain with a single codebase.

Native app updates are carried out through the Play Store or Apple Store, while hybrid app upgrades are centralized. A Native app development company incurs more budget than a hybrid app development company owing to specific functions.  Native apps can use advanced features like USB input, complex networking, and memory management. Native apps can fully utilize a device's capabilities, like gestures, location services, and GPS. App development companies create Native apps as they are more popular than hybrid apps due to their superior performance and reliability.